January 16, 2024

Our South Copeland Development Officer, Beresford Moyle Rosser, gives us an update on what’s he’s been up to recently, and provides details of forthcoming training, events + more:

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There is something wonderful about a brand new diary with its fresh, pristine pages inviting you to write in your appointments and tasks and start to record a new year unfolding day by day revealing the priorities and setbacks, the hopes and dreams and challenges of the day.

2024 has opened with a bang for me here in South Copeland – and not just from the fireworks in Millom on New Years Eve. So much is happening, and it all started with my first drop-in session at Muncaster Parish Hall on 11 January in collaboration with SE Cumbria, where I learnt all about the work involved in red squirrel protection and Muncaster’s War memorial!

On 23 January, Judith Smale, our Volunteering Manager and myself deliver an online training course on Good Practice for Volunteer Management. The 29th of January sees me deliver a speech to the Rotary Club in Gosforth which I am really looking forward to despite being undecided, as yet, what I will talk about!

8 February sees our first quarterly Social Networking Event for voluntary organisations who are based in South Copeland. This is something that came out of a panel discussion in Kirksanton where it was realised that there is precious little opportunity for voluntary groups to get together informally, to meet each other and network. This first event is being held at the Millom Network Centre and every quarter it will move to another part of South Copeland giving organisations the opportunity to take time out from busy schedules and just connect with each other and feel part of a wider voluntary community.

On  20 February our first annual Trustee and Volunteer Recruitment event is being held at Millom’s TRACKSIDE where voluntary groups who are recruiting volunteers and trustees have a stand to highlight their work and opportunities to members of the public who might be interested in doing some volunteering.

Hard on its heels, on 22 February I will be holding my second Drop-In session at Waberthwaite Village Hall, giving an opportunity for local voluntary groups to meet with me to discuss any needs they may have over a cuppa and a biscuit. I do enjoy these sessions as you have no idea what to expect. It is fascinating to sit and hear of some of the hopes and dreams or challenges voluntary organisations face trying to make a difference to their community.

Just before Easter, Millom has its own Drop-In session on the 21 March and then after Easter there is another Drop-In session being held in Eskdale on 18 April.

If you would like more information on any of these events, perhaps even have a stand for your voluntary group, feel free to drop me an email or give me a call. My telephone number is 07826 284929 and my email address is beresfordmoyle.rosser@cumbriacvs.org.uk

I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you in any way I can.